Related Articles

Coughing and sinus drainage often occur simultaneously and one symptom is often the cause of the other. When mucus drips from the sinuses into the throat it is called post-nasal drip. This drip can irritate the lining of the throat and may cause coughing. Remedies exist for both symptoms and sometimes clearing up the drainage is enough to stop the coughing as well.

Stopping The Cause

Use antihistamines and decongestants to stop sinus drainage, according to the Mayo Clinic. The combination of these two types of drugs is a standard treatment for post-nasal drip and allergy symptoms. Antihistamines have a sedative quality that will likely stop coughing as well. Get a prescription for antibiotics if bacterial infection is the source of the drainage. In some cases gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause sinus drainage when the contents of the stomach flow up into the throat and into the sinuses at night when the person sleeps. The next morning the sinuses will drain the fluid back into the throat causing more couching and irritation. According to ENTNet.org, elevate the head six to eight inches at night when going to sleep and try not to eat or drink anything within three or four hours of bedtime.

Natural Remedy

An effective method of stopping sinus drainage is to clear out all the mucus and dry up the sinuses using saline irrigation and a neti pot or nose dropper. Make a solution using eight ounces of warm water and a quarter-teaspoon of non-iodized salt. Stir up the mixture to dissolve the salt. If you have a neti pot, fill it with the saltwater solution. Tilt your head to the side and tuck in your chin. Insert the spout of the neti pot into your upper nostril and begin pouring the liquid in. Breathe through your mouth instead of holding your breath and allow the solution to run into your sinuses and back out the lower nostril, according to InterNatural-Alternative-Health.com. Repeat the process on the other side for thorough irrigation. If you do not have a neti pot, you may insert the water into the nostrils using a dropper or nasal syringe.

Keep Mucus Thin

While you are waiting for your medicine to take hold and provide you with relief from your sinus drainage and coughing, you should make sure you are keeping the mucus thin. Thicker mucus can clog the throat and cause more irritating coughing episodes. Drink lots of water to help ensure the drainage is as thin and fluid as possible. While it will not stop the coughing necessarily, it will make it easier to clear sinuses by blowing the nose and it will keep the coughs from forcing out thick mucus that you have to spit out constantly. In addition, proper hydration is always beneficial to the body, according to Home-Remedies-For-You.com.

Video of the Day

References

About the Author

Lee Morgan is a fiction writer and journalist. His writing has appeared for more than 15 years in many news publications including the "Tennesseean," the "Tampa Tribune," "West Hawaii Today," the "Honolulu Star Bulletin" and the "Dickson Herald," where he was sports editor. He holds a Bachelor of Science in mass communications from Middle Tennessee State University.